Boston Red Sox starter Chris Sale is finally trending in the right direction.
His last few seasons have been marred by a series of unfortunate injuries, anger issues, and rocky rehab stints.
Now, however, he seems on track to be at top form come Opening Day.
That’s music to Red Sox fans’ ears.
The left-hander, who is coming off right wrist surgery, tossed a couple of scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his spring debut Monday, hitting 96 on the radar gun.
Chris Sale looked as good as anyone could’ve asked today.
Hit 96. Tossed 2 scoreless innings. 2 Ks, 0 BB, 2 hits. 32 pitches.
Just look at that smile!pic.twitter.com/tZM3HaEyuJ
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) March 6, 2023
He averaged between 93 and 94 from 2019 to 2021 and was around 94-95 in his short stint last year.
So, yes: the 96 mph are definitely encouraging.
He is getting the rust off: he was slow to cover first base on a play and that cost him an out, and he had a pitch clock violation.
Other than those small issues – he will iron them out with time – he looked very good.
He was also very happy with the performance.
"How would you describe what today was like?"
– "It was awesome."Indeed… Welcome back, Chris Sale!@WebsterOnTV | @RedSox | #SaleDay pic.twitter.com/4oqvoyqBLk
— NESN (@NESN) March 6, 2023
Getting Sale’s best version – one who could lead the league in ERA with relative ease – is probably not realistic at this point, but the southpaw could very well be a low-3.00s ERA pitcher with more than a strikeout per inning.
That kind of performance could really help the Red Sox gain some respectability and, if several best-case scenarios hit, contend for the playoffs.
Let’s not forget that even if he is almost 34, Sale is a 3.03 ERA pitcher for his career and knows his craft.
Him being in top form means only good things for Boston.
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